Overview

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the wired successor to the legendary ATH-M50, first released in 2014 as an update that added detachable cables, refined ear pads, and slightly revised tuning to the formula that made the M50 one of the best-selling studio headphones of all time. At $149, the M50x occupies a unique sweet spot in the market, offering sound quality and build durability that punch well above its price point while serving as a reliable reference for home studio engineers, gamers, and casual listeners alike. It remains one of the most recommended headphones in its class for good reason.

Design & Build

The ATH-M50x features a professional studio aesthetic with a mostly plastic construction that belies its genuine durability, using a spring-steel headband covered in padded leatherette and swiveling earcups that fold flat for storage and transport. The ear pads are memory foam with a pleather covering that provides good passive isolation for a closed-back design, though the clamping force is notably high out of the box and requires a break-in period of approximately 20 hours before the headband loosens to a comfortable tension. Audio-Technica includes three detachable cables: a 3-meter coiled cable, a 3-meter straight cable, and a thin 1.2-meter portable cable, all connecting via a proprietary 2.5mm locking connector on the left earcup. The earcups rotate 90 degrees for single-ear monitoring, a feature appreciated by DJs and recording engineers, and the overall assembly feels capable of surviving regular use in a studio bag.

Performance

The 45mm large-aperture neodymium drivers deliver a mildly V-shaped sound signature with slightly elevated bass and treble that provides crisp detail, punchy low-end, and an engaging presentation that works well across a wide range of genres. The bass is present and impactful without being overwhelming, the midrange is clear and detailed though slightly recessed compared to neutral reference headphones, and the treble is energetic with good extension that reveals cymbal detail and vocal sibilance without excessive harshness. Soundstage width is average for a closed-back headphone, with decent instrument separation that allows for effective mix assessment, though the intimate presentation can make dense mixes sound congested. The impedance of 38 ohms and sensitivity of 99 dB make the M50x easy to drive from laptops, audio interfaces, and phones, delivering consistent performance across different sources.

Features

The detachable cable system with the locking 2.5mm connector is a major improvement over the original M50’s fixed cable, allowing for easy replacement if the cable is damaged and offering three different cable types for various use cases. The collapsible design with swiveling, fold-flat earcups makes the M50x moderately portable, though the headband does not fold down completely like some purpose-built travel headphones. The closed-back design provides passive noise isolation that reduces ambient noise by approximately 20 dB, making these suitable for recording environments and moderately noisy spaces. There is no active noise cancellation, no Bluetooth connectivity, and no companion app, which keeps things simple and focused on the core listening experience.

Pros

• Legendary durability and build quality that can withstand years of studio use, with user-replaceable cables and pads that extend the service life beyond most competitors in this price range.

• Engaging V-shaped sound signature with punchy bass and energetic treble that makes music sound exciting across genres, with particular strength in rock, pop, and electronic music.

• Three included cables (coiled, long straight, short portable) with a locking 2.5mm connector that provides flexibility for different use cases and easy replacement if damaged.

• Easy to drive from any source thanks to 38-ohm impedance and 99 dB sensitivity, requiring no external amplifier for satisfactory volume and dynamic range.

• Excellent value at $149, offering sound quality and build that competes with headphones costing twice as much.

Cons

• High clamping force causes fatigue during extended listening sessions, particularly for users with larger heads or those who wear glasses, and the ear pads become warm and uncomfortable after two hours.

• The V-shaped tuning is not neutral enough for critical mixing and mastering work, with recessed mids that can mask mix issues and elevated bass and treble that do not translate well to all playback systems.

• The proprietary 2.5mm locking cable connector limits aftermarket cable options, and the locking mechanism can wear out over time, causing cables to disconnect with slight movement.

• Passive isolation is adequate but not exceptional, and the lack of any ANC or wireless functionality limits their use in noisy or mobile environments.

• Imaging and soundstage are average for the price, with less precise instrument placement than the AKG K371 or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro.

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has earned its legendary status through a winning combination of engaging sound, exceptional durability, and accessible pricing at $149. It is not the most neutral or comfortable headphone in its class, and the high clamping force and recessed midrange are genuine drawbacks for extended critical listening, but for anyone seeking a fun, detailed, and built-to-last closed-back headphone for general use, gaming, or hobbyist production work, the M50x remains an easy recommendation.

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